…I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. —1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)
Having established the importance of bringing balance to your prayer life, you might ask, “What exactly are the rewards for praying for others?” While the rewards of intercession come in various ways and at different times, they should not be our primary focus. The main reason to intercede is simply that God desires it. In fact, God is actively looking for people to stand in the gap.
In Ezekiel, God said, So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. —Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV). Did you catch that? Standing in the gap is exactly what God wants from us. When you pray for others, do it out of obedience rather than a desire for compensation. However, it is impossible to intercede without receiving a reward, because God always honors our labor of love.
The reward is a natural result of your actions in the place of prayer. Let me share an example of something that happened to one of our spiritual sons a few years ago. We were in the middle of a three-day prayer and fasting program, gathered together at church. On the second day, the Holy Spirit prompted me to lead the congregation in sowing a special financial seed into this young man’s life.
After making the altar call, we instantly raised a significant amount and presented it to him. He was not expecting this at all and was completely overwhelmed by the surprise blessing. After receiving the gift, he asked to share a testimony. He explained that during his morning devotion with his wife, God placed a strong burden on his heart to pray for me.
This was unusual for him, but they spent quality time interceding on my behalf without my knowledge. He was stunned when, just hours later, the Holy Spirit instructed me to bless him financially. Because he interceded for me, the Holy Spirit immediately prompted a blessing for him in return. He received an instant reward for his intercession.
Why did this happen? The Bible clearly states, The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. —Proverbs 11:25 (NKJV). Do you understand now? It pays to intercede for others. If you truly want to experience a new dimension of rewards in your Christian walk, start praying for others today. Hallelujah!
Today’s Rhema
If you truly want to experience new dimensions of rewards in your Christian walk, start interceding for others!
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for opening my eyes to these realities. I declare today that a passion and zeal to pray for others is at work in my life. As I pray, I do so passionately, in the name of Jesus. Amen!
